Smiffy
Grand Slam Winner
That's the "longish" par 3 going back to the clubhouse isn't it?
The Battle of the Auld Enemy-Goswick G.C.-20th/21st Feb 09.
- Thread starter Dodger
- Start date
That's the "longish" par 3 going back to the clubhouse isn't it?
vig
Tour Winner
Re: The Battle of the Auld Enemy- part 1
Can I just endorse what everyone else has said.
Dodger you are a credit to your club. Superbly organised and tried valiantly to get a replacement for Robo (hope your son's ok)
On Thursday evening I experienced something that I haven't had since Chrismas Eve 1973. Butterflies and genuine excitement.
Friday morning I woke from a very disturbed sleep and prepare for the journey.
On arriving at the course my butterflies returned. I was a links virgin ( that's maybe why there were butterflies).
Into the clubhouse for a coffee and brief introduction. Some of the Scottish boys, I had seen on photo's so had a vague idea who was who but in the flesh, it was vague.
Our pairings had been decided in advance so we knew who we were up against and as I had not been playing particularly well, Tony's PM's had been taking a pounding, so much pressure on young shoulders, but I have played a few games with him and knew he would handle it.
As the start grew closer things started to get more serious and a silence descended on the clubhouse.
So 45 mins to the off and into the chaning rooms to spike up. put on the moisturiser, hair gel and in Madandra's case the sp15 Craic cream (i still laugh when I think about that)
You could smell the anticipation, well at least you could from where I was sitting near the boys room. (who was that?)
All out for a quick warm up on the putting green. Didn't have chance to swing a club for warm up, but neither did anyone else.
Gotta say on the putting green, Craig (tincup) looked very serious, what followed was an obvious case of being in the "zone" and the unfortunate recipitants of the cyclone that was Craig and Ivan was poor DCB and Frazer (we really should make him an associate forum member) They were stuffed 10 & 8. They were immediately behind myself and Tony and whilst we were waiting to tee off on 8 Craig brought his bag over to the teebox. We asked how he was doing, 7 up the response. I thought we were doing well. Frazer then approached and asked, nae PLEADED to play against us the following day.(funny moment number 1)
Back to the start. We were first off and I had previously offered to tee off first although my stomach was churning and legs were a little "loose" to say the Least. As it happened I needed have worried. The honour were to the Scots as the away team (away team??? some could see the course from home, I believe some ventured home)
First up JF and.. well i won't go into what will be a topic for some months from his countrymen. (funny moment No2 but only because everyone else were laughing) My heart went out to you John, cos if you were feeling how I was when I thought I was off first, i'm surprised you even managed to swing a club and your shortest of day one WAS beaten on day two. more of that on another post.
3 tee shots later and battle had commenced. TBC
Can I just endorse what everyone else has said.
Dodger you are a credit to your club. Superbly organised and tried valiantly to get a replacement for Robo (hope your son's ok)
On Thursday evening I experienced something that I haven't had since Chrismas Eve 1973. Butterflies and genuine excitement.
Friday morning I woke from a very disturbed sleep and prepare for the journey.
On arriving at the course my butterflies returned. I was a links virgin ( that's maybe why there were butterflies).
Into the clubhouse for a coffee and brief introduction. Some of the Scottish boys, I had seen on photo's so had a vague idea who was who but in the flesh, it was vague.
Our pairings had been decided in advance so we knew who we were up against and as I had not been playing particularly well, Tony's PM's had been taking a pounding, so much pressure on young shoulders, but I have played a few games with him and knew he would handle it.
As the start grew closer things started to get more serious and a silence descended on the clubhouse.
So 45 mins to the off and into the chaning rooms to spike up. put on the moisturiser, hair gel and in Madandra's case the sp15 Craic cream (i still laugh when I think about that)
You could smell the anticipation, well at least you could from where I was sitting near the boys room. (who was that?)
All out for a quick warm up on the putting green. Didn't have chance to swing a club for warm up, but neither did anyone else.
Gotta say on the putting green, Craig (tincup) looked very serious, what followed was an obvious case of being in the "zone" and the unfortunate recipitants of the cyclone that was Craig and Ivan was poor DCB and Frazer (we really should make him an associate forum member) They were stuffed 10 & 8. They were immediately behind myself and Tony and whilst we were waiting to tee off on 8 Craig brought his bag over to the teebox. We asked how he was doing, 7 up the response. I thought we were doing well. Frazer then approached and asked, nae PLEADED to play against us the following day.(funny moment number 1)
Back to the start. We were first off and I had previously offered to tee off first although my stomach was churning and legs were a little "loose" to say the Least. As it happened I needed have worried. The honour were to the Scots as the away team (away team??? some could see the course from home, I believe some ventured home)
First up JF and.. well i won't go into what will be a topic for some months from his countrymen. (funny moment No2 but only because everyone else were laughing) My heart went out to you John, cos if you were feeling how I was when I thought I was off first, i'm surprised you even managed to swing a club and your shortest of day one WAS beaten on day two. more of that on another post.
3 tee shots later and battle had commenced. TBC
madandra
Money List Winner
It sure is smiffy and it was with a strong right to left wind both days.
Smiffy
Grand Slam Winner
Only played there the once (March 1991) but even now, 18 years late, I can still remember quite a few of the holes.
It was a lovely course, and that par 3 is quite a tester. Can imagine it's a right bugger to try to hit with a right to left wind!
There is a possibility the wife and I may be heading North later in the year to visit friends in Newcastle for a few days. I may well bring the sticks and drive up for a game.
Rob
USER1999
Grand Slam Winner
Got back home at 8.30, after a 5 hour drive non stop. Wife and friend had a chinese on the go, so I eventually got to bed at half past midnight.
Total mileage 700, and 10 1/2 hours driving. Worth every minute.
Despite looking out of McD's window at good golfing conditions, by the time we got to the course, the wind was up. Now to me, this felt like a gale, (was about 2 club lengths), and was described by Ivan as fairly average.
Standing on the tee, feeling a bit quesy (for so many reasons), I assumed that I would get off to a faster start than Fridays ob, 3 in the bunker, on the green for 8, down for 11. A nice drive, left a 7i in, which I pulled left, only for a links style bounce to chuck it on the green for an opening 4. Here we go thinks I.
No.
9 points on the front 9, with no evidence I could swing a club at all. Luckily Ivan is a handy player off 2 (unbelievable, some of his shot making), and we were a point up (better ball stableford).
Standing on the tenth tee, I gave myself a stern talking to, and decided that a bit of focus was needed to avoid looking a total prat. (as if wearing 3 hats and a pair of purple shoes wasn't doing this already).
It seemed to work, as the old magic came back a bit, and I had 19 points on the back 9 (with a blob on 14 when I had a bad attack of the shanks).
So in the end I redeemed myself, and came out having won one, lost one. Cost neutral.
Loads of thanks to Ivan for showing us how to play, and Frazer and David for the company.
Off to medal, hope it takes after the back nine and not the front.
Total mileage 700, and 10 1/2 hours driving. Worth every minute.
Despite looking out of McD's window at good golfing conditions, by the time we got to the course, the wind was up. Now to me, this felt like a gale, (was about 2 club lengths), and was described by Ivan as fairly average.
Standing on the tee, feeling a bit quesy (for so many reasons), I assumed that I would get off to a faster start than Fridays ob, 3 in the bunker, on the green for 8, down for 11. A nice drive, left a 7i in, which I pulled left, only for a links style bounce to chuck it on the green for an opening 4. Here we go thinks I.
No.
9 points on the front 9, with no evidence I could swing a club at all. Luckily Ivan is a handy player off 2 (unbelievable, some of his shot making), and we were a point up (better ball stableford).
Standing on the tenth tee, I gave myself a stern talking to, and decided that a bit of focus was needed to avoid looking a total prat. (as if wearing 3 hats and a pair of purple shoes wasn't doing this already).
It seemed to work, as the old magic came back a bit, and I had 19 points on the back 9 (with a blob on 14 when I had a bad attack of the shanks).
So in the end I redeemed myself, and came out having won one, lost one. Cost neutral.
Loads of thanks to Ivan for showing us how to play, and Frazer and David for the company.
Off to medal, hope it takes after the back nine and not the front.
Tommo21
Tour Winner
Let me be the umpteenth person to say a big thanks to the captain Dodger and his father, the starter. Dodger senior, a true gent, could easily be doing this professionally. I’ll openly admit I don’t really want to get involved with the organising side of things so I really appreciate all the effort from anyone who contributed. The course could not be faulted and the greens were top class. I played Goswick many years ago and there has been a few changes but over all the course is the dogs nads and the greens are just how I like em.
Just before the off I decided to make a visit to the loo, and after a nameless Englishman exited trap one, I went in only to be hit by a wall of………well….….lets just say I was hit by a wall and I soon found out how long I can hold my breath under water. Later I confronted the culprit and accused him of hovering as the seat was still cold.
Anyway, enough of that crap. What a great way to start a game, getting the $hits right up you by having your name called out in front of 20 or so guys. Now I don’t want to say anything about one of the Scottish troopers, (but I will) but making a proper balls up at the first helped all the guys by releasing any pre game tension…….I’m being serious, it was a Scottish ploy we’ve been working on for a while. J_F got the short straw being the first player to tee off and we’re now working on the next set play, not to be shown until the next border skirmish. In saying that, we’re going to have a job to TOP that.
To the game itself, we had a great game on Friday playing Doh and Gjbike. We came out the blocks fast going 2 up after 2, but the auld enemy came back at us and a while later we were 1 down and I was beginning to wonder if we could get back into the game. Eventually we went 1 up before coming down the par 5 17th when my good partner Peter got a nice par leaving me with a free run for a birdie to seal a really close game.
The wind was blowing and I was first on the tee come Saturday. A wee bit apprehensive, especially when madandra’s standing 45 degrees to the front taking photos. I cut the ball into the trees, just about the only effin trees on the course. J_F played some great irons and carried me for the first 9 until my putter heated up and I was on a roll. Doh put up a great fight, but his back 9 was as good as my front and to be fair he had no luck with his putter.
So, was all the build up worth it. You bet it was…….when’s the next one.
Just before the off I decided to make a visit to the loo, and after a nameless Englishman exited trap one, I went in only to be hit by a wall of………well….….lets just say I was hit by a wall and I soon found out how long I can hold my breath under water. Later I confronted the culprit and accused him of hovering as the seat was still cold.
Anyway, enough of that crap. What a great way to start a game, getting the $hits right up you by having your name called out in front of 20 or so guys. Now I don’t want to say anything about one of the Scottish troopers, (but I will) but making a proper balls up at the first helped all the guys by releasing any pre game tension…….I’m being serious, it was a Scottish ploy we’ve been working on for a while. J_F got the short straw being the first player to tee off and we’re now working on the next set play, not to be shown until the next border skirmish. In saying that, we’re going to have a job to TOP that.
To the game itself, we had a great game on Friday playing Doh and Gjbike. We came out the blocks fast going 2 up after 2, but the auld enemy came back at us and a while later we were 1 down and I was beginning to wonder if we could get back into the game. Eventually we went 1 up before coming down the par 5 17th when my good partner Peter got a nice par leaving me with a free run for a birdie to seal a really close game.
The wind was blowing and I was first on the tee come Saturday. A wee bit apprehensive, especially when madandra’s standing 45 degrees to the front taking photos. I cut the ball into the trees, just about the only effin trees on the course. J_F played some great irons and carried me for the first 9 until my putter heated up and I was on a roll. Doh put up a great fight, but his back 9 was as good as my front and to be fair he had no luck with his putter.
So, was all the build up worth it. You bet it was…….when’s the next one.
Atticus_Finch
Journeyman Pro
I'm sitting here at work reading all the reports and wishing I could've made it.
Keep them coming lads, really enjoying them.
Keep them coming lads, really enjoying them.
Toad
Tour Rookie
Once again a big thank-you to Dodger for organising a fantastic outing.
Thanks to everyone on the English team for taking part, especially the guys who showed great commitment and passion to drive for 5 hours just to play golf with a bunch of hairy jocks.
We had a good friday I partnered SS2 and we fought out a hard earned win against Mike and Tim, we were 4 up through 5 before Mike went on a run of 5 straight pars to get it back to 1 down, but we dug deep and edged it 3&1.
On Saturday Madandra and I struggled to get going against Stve and Graham, and at one point thought we had won 2&1 with Graham giving us funny looks as we shook hands on the17th before pointing out it was a stableford match
,too many beers on Friday night I think
turned out we halved the match with 30 points a fair result in the end.
Sure everyone would agree it was one of the best outings so far and I am looking forward to many more.
Thanks to everyone on the English team for taking part, especially the guys who showed great commitment and passion to drive for 5 hours just to play golf with a bunch of hairy jocks.
We had a good friday I partnered SS2 and we fought out a hard earned win against Mike and Tim, we were 4 up through 5 before Mike went on a run of 5 straight pars to get it back to 1 down, but we dug deep and edged it 3&1.
On Saturday Madandra and I struggled to get going against Stve and Graham, and at one point thought we had won 2&1 with Graham giving us funny looks as we shook hands on the17th before pointing out it was a stableford match
,too many beers on Friday night I thinkturned out we halved the match with 30 points a fair result in the end.
Sure everyone would agree it was one of the best outings so far and I am looking forward to many more.
madandra
Money List Winner
John_Findlay
Tour Winner
Well, what can I say? What a trip. A great event with masterly organisation by Dodger on a cracking course in the best of company. What more can you ask for?
Great to meet up with the Scottish gang again, both new and old, and especially to put faces to some of the English lads at last. You made some effort to make this happen, guys.
Travelled down to Goswick with DCB & my friend, Pete, who it has to be said has given me some stick about my addiction to the forum over the years. Not any more. He enjoyed the golf and the company so much he's gonna have a look into the forum today. Another convert. He no longer looks upon us as a sad bunch of computer geeks! Apparently we're normal...and a good laugh!
Can I get the first tee shot out of the way? Please. Pretty please.
I've not been that nervous on a tee in my puff. The legs were barely holding me up, the hands had lost all felling and my eyes had glazed over. The Old Course was nothing compared to this.
The only plus point is that I NEARLY made the lady's tee. Thank God I can smile at these things and thanks to TOMO for the comforting arms around the shoulder in the aftermath. How do the Ryder Cup boys ever take the club away?
Having removed a little of the pressure from my playing partner, StuartD, he creamed the best I've seen him hit ...team tactics, you see. His 2nd was even better and the front nine continued that way with Stuart carrying me all the way.
Unfortunately we were 3 down after 4 to the steady play of our new found English forum buddies. Vig hits a great ball with that fangle recovery wood thingy and his long irons were peachy. Frankly TonyN is a force of nature off 18. Great swing, no fear and looks more like a really good 10/12 handicapper. We were up against it. Tony, if you're not single into figures by next year then I'm phoning environmental health to complain about the smell that TOMO alluded to.
Thankfully the back 9 saw our team rally a bit but by 16 we were still 2 down. Vig then stiffs a 4 iron against the wind 188 yards. Oh crap, I thought. A 3 & 2 win looked on the cards but my best shot of the trip saw a 3 iron into 3 feet. Tony then has the cheek to CHIP IN for par to give Vig a free run at birdie. Luckily it skirted the hole and we ended up going down the last 1 down. The putt that Stuart had to half the match will never be mentioned by me again as we never deserved to win but at least it made for a good match against better opponents on the day. Well done lads. You were a pleasure to play with...and Stuarty, you can carry me again any day, mate. You were TOP company.
Cracking banter Friday night with Madandra's shameless ribbing of his own team mates and having a good chat with Murph, Viscount et al.
God, have I not even mentioned day two yet? Maybe later.
Looking forward to the next one. Soon please. I'm working on my driving.
Great to meet up with the Scottish gang again, both new and old, and especially to put faces to some of the English lads at last. You made some effort to make this happen, guys.
Travelled down to Goswick with DCB & my friend, Pete, who it has to be said has given me some stick about my addiction to the forum over the years. Not any more. He enjoyed the golf and the company so much he's gonna have a look into the forum today. Another convert. He no longer looks upon us as a sad bunch of computer geeks! Apparently we're normal...and a good laugh!
Can I get the first tee shot out of the way? Please. Pretty please.
I've not been that nervous on a tee in my puff. The legs were barely holding me up, the hands had lost all felling and my eyes had glazed over. The Old Course was nothing compared to this.
The only plus point is that I NEARLY made the lady's tee. Thank God I can smile at these things and thanks to TOMO for the comforting arms around the shoulder in the aftermath. How do the Ryder Cup boys ever take the club away?
Having removed a little of the pressure from my playing partner, StuartD, he creamed the best I've seen him hit ...team tactics, you see. His 2nd was even better and the front nine continued that way with Stuart carrying me all the way.
Unfortunately we were 3 down after 4 to the steady play of our new found English forum buddies. Vig hits a great ball with that fangle recovery wood thingy and his long irons were peachy. Frankly TonyN is a force of nature off 18. Great swing, no fear and looks more like a really good 10/12 handicapper. We were up against it. Tony, if you're not single into figures by next year then I'm phoning environmental health to complain about the smell that TOMO alluded to.
Thankfully the back 9 saw our team rally a bit but by 16 we were still 2 down. Vig then stiffs a 4 iron against the wind 188 yards. Oh crap, I thought. A 3 & 2 win looked on the cards but my best shot of the trip saw a 3 iron into 3 feet. Tony then has the cheek to CHIP IN for par to give Vig a free run at birdie. Luckily it skirted the hole and we ended up going down the last 1 down. The putt that Stuart had to half the match will never be mentioned by me again as we never deserved to win but at least it made for a good match against better opponents on the day. Well done lads. You were a pleasure to play with...and Stuarty, you can carry me again any day, mate. You were TOP company.
Cracking banter Friday night with Madandra's shameless ribbing of his own team mates and having a good chat with Murph, Viscount et al.
God, have I not even mentioned day two yet? Maybe later.
Looking forward to the next one. Soon please. I'm working on my driving.
Tommo21
Tour Winner
What a good read all this is making.........keep em cumin troops.
John_Findlay
Tour Winner
Ok. Day 2.
Have to a admit to feeling slightly rough after pouring myself into a taxi with Murphthemog at around 1am after a good Jack Daniels session. But the day looked brighter and warmer than the back 9 the day before so there were high hopes.
Delighted to find that I was playing with Mr Steady Eddy himself, Tommo21, as he'd always be my choice of playing partner. Bit gutted for Robo from Team England that he had to go home, though. I believe his son is now fairing well so that's a blessing.
After valliant but ultimately fruitless efforts to find a replacement it was decided that Doh would play against Harv & myself in a newly made up format called playing one man at a time. Basically Doh played against Harvey's score on the odd holes and against mine on the evens. There was the individual stableford to play for, too, of course.
Has to be said the wind was a bit brutal on some holes, particularly the long par 4's and 5's on the front 9 so scoring was poor. After the front nine Doh had amassed 12 stableford points for England and Harv & I had only managed the same between us, and that was with my 4 pointer on the 8th after a cracking birdie. But all to play for.
The highlight of the front 9 for me was getting nearest the pin on the second with a huge crosswind. Hit a five iron to about 3 feet...but missed the putt!
The back 9 continued with strong wind but thankfully behind us for the first few. I hit the par 5 11th in 2 for the 2nd day running but when I stood over my second putt and addressed it the ball moved in the wind. It was that strong. Penalty shot.. but came off with a par at least. Doh, unfortunately had a few blobs when his driving let him down and the stamina of 2 v 1 soon told I think with us Scots soon going well ahead. Fair play to Rick though for having the energy and good nature to make it a very enjoyable round in what were testing conditions. Just watching Harvey's short game is a joy for me, too. Check the chip over the bunker in the video.
I had a couple of blobs both halves but was reasonably happy with 30 points in the individual. We were pretty aware that the team were looking good to secure the win after the second group came in with another win, though. And sure enough the boys done well.
I've never needed or enjoyed the after match bowl of soup so much in my life. I've been battered to death with wind all year and it's beginning to drain me. If only my legs weighed 12 stone.
Most impressed with the array of prizes for nearest the pins, long drives, straightest drives and individual stablefords. And equally impressed with Tincup's cheek for picking the 2 shiniest wedges on offer for his two prizes. The man has no shame and the guilt-free face of Macauley Culkin!
To all I played with and against..cheers, boys. It was a pleasure. Most sincerely. And great stories which will no doubt remain unforgotten whilst we draw breath.
Here's to the next one.
Come on Western Samoa. Where are you? Bring it on.
Have to a admit to feeling slightly rough after pouring myself into a taxi with Murphthemog at around 1am after a good Jack Daniels session. But the day looked brighter and warmer than the back 9 the day before so there were high hopes.
Delighted to find that I was playing with Mr Steady Eddy himself, Tommo21, as he'd always be my choice of playing partner. Bit gutted for Robo from Team England that he had to go home, though. I believe his son is now fairing well so that's a blessing.
After valliant but ultimately fruitless efforts to find a replacement it was decided that Doh would play against Harv & myself in a newly made up format called playing one man at a time. Basically Doh played against Harvey's score on the odd holes and against mine on the evens. There was the individual stableford to play for, too, of course.
Has to be said the wind was a bit brutal on some holes, particularly the long par 4's and 5's on the front 9 so scoring was poor. After the front nine Doh had amassed 12 stableford points for England and Harv & I had only managed the same between us, and that was with my 4 pointer on the 8th after a cracking birdie. But all to play for.
The highlight of the front 9 for me was getting nearest the pin on the second with a huge crosswind. Hit a five iron to about 3 feet...but missed the putt!
The back 9 continued with strong wind but thankfully behind us for the first few. I hit the par 5 11th in 2 for the 2nd day running but when I stood over my second putt and addressed it the ball moved in the wind. It was that strong. Penalty shot.. but came off with a par at least. Doh, unfortunately had a few blobs when his driving let him down and the stamina of 2 v 1 soon told I think with us Scots soon going well ahead. Fair play to Rick though for having the energy and good nature to make it a very enjoyable round in what were testing conditions. Just watching Harvey's short game is a joy for me, too. Check the chip over the bunker in the video.
I had a couple of blobs both halves but was reasonably happy with 30 points in the individual. We were pretty aware that the team were looking good to secure the win after the second group came in with another win, though. And sure enough the boys done well.
I've never needed or enjoyed the after match bowl of soup so much in my life. I've been battered to death with wind all year and it's beginning to drain me. If only my legs weighed 12 stone.
Most impressed with the array of prizes for nearest the pins, long drives, straightest drives and individual stablefords. And equally impressed with Tincup's cheek for picking the 2 shiniest wedges on offer for his two prizes. The man has no shame and the guilt-free face of Macauley Culkin!
To all I played with and against..cheers, boys. It was a pleasure. Most sincerely. And great stories which will no doubt remain unforgotten whilst we draw breath.
Here's to the next one.
Come on Western Samoa. Where are you? Bring it on.
SS2
Tour Rookie
It was an excellent 2 days, thanks to Dodger for organising everything and also demonstrating to me and others how you actually play this game.
Cheers to Robo, Mike, Tincup & TonyN for the games and to everyone else for coming along.
Andy.
Cheers to Robo, Mike, Tincup & TonyN for the games and to everyone else for coming along.
Andy.
theeaglehunter
Tour Winner
Superb accounts lads and its great to see the pictures and videos you all managed to capture- I wish I'd had a quarter as much fun as you lot this weekend!
gjbike
Q-School Graduate
Hi Guys
I would like to echo everyone thanks to Dodger and Goswick Golf club for the organisation of the Golf event its was truly remarkable.
The course was in excellent condition considering the recent weather, top marks to the green keeping staff department.
As David Frost once said it’s not wining that’s matters it’s the taking part but congratulation to Scotland on their win.
Its was great meeting all the guys from the forum hopefully this will be ANNUAL EVENT
I would like to echo everyone thanks to Dodger and Goswick Golf club for the organisation of the Golf event its was truly remarkable.
The course was in excellent condition considering the recent weather, top marks to the green keeping staff department.
As David Frost once said it’s not wining that’s matters it’s the taking part but congratulation to Scotland on their win.
Its was great meeting all the guys from the forum hopefully this will be ANNUAL EVENT
TonyN
Money List Winner
Finally got to see the Video, John, excellent work pal well done.
I am so gutted I didnt get to take any snaps, first day I was too focused to even think about the camera, the second day the memory card gave up the ghost.
I only have a few pics I have pinched off here, If anyone wants to email me there pictures I would really appreciate it.
Tony007fcuk@gmail.com
I am so gutted I didnt get to take any snaps, first day I was too focused to even think about the camera, the second day the memory card gave up the ghost.
I only have a few pics I have pinched off here, If anyone wants to email me there pictures I would really appreciate it.
Tony007fcuk@gmail.com
vig
Tour Winner
Re: The Battle of the Auld Enemy- part 1 cont..
continued
I had played a 15* hybrid (only bought 2 days before and only hit 10 balls on the range with it, so it was a bit of a gamble) on the first, everyone else had played driver, I was however more confident in my long game than my short game and figured that if I was disadvantaged by 20-30 yards on the second shot, I could live with that.
JF proceeded to play his second shot and away we strolled down the first fairway. Legs still a little shakey, we approached our balls and it was a couple of deep gulps of air and focus on slowing the heart rate a little. I was focused beyond the norm for this and to be honest not entirely sure where everyone’s 2nd’s ended up. By the time I came to putt, I had calmed down a little and a quick look back down the 1st fairway, the second group were on their way.
We walked off the first to what I thought was an half, only to be told later by Stuart & JF that we had one the hole. A lead, we would never give up. It was all a bit of a blur really, I was so in my own cocoon. Hole 2 , short par 3 and off went the 4 tee shots no total disasters this time, but I believe Stuart, who had pulled his a little, had a really bad lie (there were plenty of tricky lies throughout the 2 days). We exchanged words of encouragement and events took on more clarity. On to the 3rd hole and the 4 tee shots were away. We were playing steady golf, with what was to prove a good tactic throughout. Tony taking his driver and the middle of the fairway almost guaranteed. I was sticking to the hybrid and continued to do so on all but one of the par 4’s & 5’s throughout the match. It is always good that you have a partner you can rely on to play the sensible percentage shot. It allowed me to play with more freedom on some of the holes but also responsible enough to rein it in a little when he hit trouble. We were quickly 3 up, mainly to steady, no risk golf and some good dovetailing.
Stuart was hitting some sound shots and by this time JF had got into the grove with his driver. I’m sure, had John brought his “A†game, things would have been much tighter at the start.
As things progressed, team Scotland pulled back an hole. I can’t remember which hole because I was so focussed on what we were doing.
There were some early, quite generous “gimme’s†and I don’t think Stuart had any chance to hole any short ones. This was to prove telling at the climax. Sorry Stu, you would have sunk them anyway but I know that I would have gained some confidence from sinking a few early on. Ours were similar handicaps and I wasn’t to find out until day 2 that you have played much lower.
As we walked to the 7th tee, I said to Tony that I would have taken any lead to this point before we had started. JF hit a drive that looked destined to stay on the line for the straightest drive and would have done had the line been straight (LOL). Tony missed the fairway (left) for the first time and so the pressure shot was on me this time. I hit a 3 wood to play safe and skied it. I hit a solid 2nd shot and hit a good first putt. Hole complete lead still intact. 8th hole, much the same. I mentioned earlier that Craig had approached us on the 7th Tee. It was in fact the 8th tee. Things become much clearer thinking back.
9th hole I pulled out a 4 iron with the wind gusting from the right. I hit it as sweet as a nut and it was crawling all over the flag to finish, what would become, nearest the pin on day one. JF missed short right, but showed his class to pitch up and sink his putt to halve the hole as mine putt trickled agonisingly past the hole. Games are sometimes decided by inches. Two inch may have just decided our match and I had my first moment of doubt.
This was quickly banished after a quick word with my partner, and words of encouragement were exchanged.
We had completed the front 9 and were still in front, despite the colossal efforts of stu who on occasions had kept the Scottish boys in it on the holes we had looked like winning. Again we would have taken this before we started. We were, in our opinion, playing against what we believed to be the danger man of the Scots team in JF. That is meant as no disrespect to any of the others and certainly not Stu who played some super shots throughout the day.
On to the 10th and I hit my 2nd bad tee shot of the day and it didn’t look too inviting where it had landed. So over to Tony.
11th tee and I pulled out the driver for the first and only time throughout the day. I had a good, strong connection but the ball was drifting right. We approached the balls and mine was on a road that runs alongside the fairway. It was a long hit, but to be fair it probably hit the road and bounced a long way, either that or the bus hit it and sent it further. I asked my playing partners for a ruling, my partner looked slightly worried. He had read the reverse of the card, we hadn’t. As it turns out it was OOB. Was the game turning? Back to my partner to bale me out.
We stood on the 12th tee with the Scots now starting to bite at our heels and the pressure was building. Craig & Ivan’s approaches were sat nicely on the 11th green and Craig again brought his bag to the tee box. They had one 10 & 8. what an achievement in any level of golf. That certainly lifted me and I again felt quite relaxed. Frazer, one of the guests, came over and shook our hands, he had those puppy dog eyes. It was at this moment that he asked to play against us tomorrow (already mentioned above).
Holes seemed to pass fairly quickly and everyone that passed was one less that the Scots could win.
13 & 14 completed. Alan Rodgers snr (Dodgers dad) was waiting on the next tee. A short par 3 downhill 15th . there was a bit of banter and he was to accompany the 4 of us to the end. I was only just off the green to the right but was badly plugged, I managed to play a decent shot but was now playing with a brown ball. Down to Tony again.
16th tee, all away left side of fairway. As we were on the tee, I mentioned to Stu that I had only had the hybrid 2 days and it was the best £65 I had ever spent to which he said that he really hated the club (funny moment 3)I hit a super 4 iron that was heading straight for the flag, it pitched on the front of the green and rolled a little it was about 10’ short of the pin but uphill. At this moment I thought we would take an unassailable lead. How wrong was I JF whose drive was about 8’ in front of mine hit an absolute peach of a 3 iron to about 18â€, shot of the day in my mind. It wasn’t just the execution of the shot, it was the pressure that came with it. This was the John Findlay that I expected to play against before we got there.
I still had a chance to hole out and take what would have been a good half from what, when I played my shot looked like the win we had so longed for.
Tony was short of the green and I thought he had picked up. Alan snr asked flag in or out. Out I say, he walked away, looked, walked back, flag in or out. I thought, You’re taking the pish now. I didn’t realise he was talking to Tony who was about to chip his ball. Tony asked for the flag to be left in, I replied 18â€. I thought he had said how far away was JF. (funny moment 4). Tony then proceeded to chip in. I missed mine, JF, obviously sunk his.
On to 17 All away and up the fairway we went. Things got a little tactical I was short of the road, Stu and Tony were on it. I chose to putt mine and finished about 3’ away. Tony & Stu dropped back behind the road. 17 complete.
Up on to the 18th tee England 1up, Scotland with the honour. I held back choosing a club until our oppo’s had taken theirs. This is a classic risk reward, driveable par 4 but the wind was strong in our faces. Had either of the Scots boys made the green, the big stick would have to come out. As it happens it would have been some shot to carry the green into the wind. Neither made it. Tony hit his 6 iron, leaving him a wedge in. I pulled out old faithful and played safe. Some safe, I was way right but had a good view straight up the length of the green. We all hit our 2nd’s and myself, Tony & JF had all sunk our putts on what was to be a very slow green. Tony hit first and left it about 8’ short. He said to me that he had given it a good rap. I putted from slightly inside Tony and gave it, what I thought was enough to get beyond the hole. It finished near Tony’s. JF also left his short but putted out for the 4 which left Stu a putt to level the match form about 4’. Stu had not had a putt from anywhere near that range all day. He had holed some super long putts but had been given the short ones so not really had a chance to feel the distance. As he stood over the putt there was silence. He made good contact but looking back from the other side of the hole, unless there was some break that I hadn’t seen, it was running agonisingly wide, for the Scottish boys.
We had won. I patted Tony one the back and shook his hand. To be honest for a moment, I wanted to hug him but it wasn’t the manly thing to do. We shook hands with our gallant opponents then stayed out to watch the next 3 groups come in.
I would like to take this opportunity to thank out opponents for a fantastic, sporting, afternoon of golf. I was absolutely over the moon to come out with a win. I would have been disappointed to have halved the game, given that we had held the lead since the first but on reflection, I wouldn’t have minded. Two cracking blokes great company, great golfers and there for the grace of god……
Everyone contributed to a tense and thrilling match that was to prove the closest win of the whole competition. I was to play again with Stuart on day 2.
Those elevated tees towards the end were really starting to take their toll and boy was I ready for the meal in the clubhouse.
continued
I had played a 15* hybrid (only bought 2 days before and only hit 10 balls on the range with it, so it was a bit of a gamble) on the first, everyone else had played driver, I was however more confident in my long game than my short game and figured that if I was disadvantaged by 20-30 yards on the second shot, I could live with that.
JF proceeded to play his second shot and away we strolled down the first fairway. Legs still a little shakey, we approached our balls and it was a couple of deep gulps of air and focus on slowing the heart rate a little. I was focused beyond the norm for this and to be honest not entirely sure where everyone’s 2nd’s ended up. By the time I came to putt, I had calmed down a little and a quick look back down the 1st fairway, the second group were on their way.
We walked off the first to what I thought was an half, only to be told later by Stuart & JF that we had one the hole. A lead, we would never give up. It was all a bit of a blur really, I was so in my own cocoon. Hole 2 , short par 3 and off went the 4 tee shots no total disasters this time, but I believe Stuart, who had pulled his a little, had a really bad lie (there were plenty of tricky lies throughout the 2 days). We exchanged words of encouragement and events took on more clarity. On to the 3rd hole and the 4 tee shots were away. We were playing steady golf, with what was to prove a good tactic throughout. Tony taking his driver and the middle of the fairway almost guaranteed. I was sticking to the hybrid and continued to do so on all but one of the par 4’s & 5’s throughout the match. It is always good that you have a partner you can rely on to play the sensible percentage shot. It allowed me to play with more freedom on some of the holes but also responsible enough to rein it in a little when he hit trouble. We were quickly 3 up, mainly to steady, no risk golf and some good dovetailing.
Stuart was hitting some sound shots and by this time JF had got into the grove with his driver. I’m sure, had John brought his “A†game, things would have been much tighter at the start.
As things progressed, team Scotland pulled back an hole. I can’t remember which hole because I was so focussed on what we were doing.
There were some early, quite generous “gimme’s†and I don’t think Stuart had any chance to hole any short ones. This was to prove telling at the climax. Sorry Stu, you would have sunk them anyway but I know that I would have gained some confidence from sinking a few early on. Ours were similar handicaps and I wasn’t to find out until day 2 that you have played much lower.
As we walked to the 7th tee, I said to Tony that I would have taken any lead to this point before we had started. JF hit a drive that looked destined to stay on the line for the straightest drive and would have done had the line been straight (LOL). Tony missed the fairway (left) for the first time and so the pressure shot was on me this time. I hit a 3 wood to play safe and skied it. I hit a solid 2nd shot and hit a good first putt. Hole complete lead still intact. 8th hole, much the same. I mentioned earlier that Craig had approached us on the 7th Tee. It was in fact the 8th tee. Things become much clearer thinking back.
9th hole I pulled out a 4 iron with the wind gusting from the right. I hit it as sweet as a nut and it was crawling all over the flag to finish, what would become, nearest the pin on day one. JF missed short right, but showed his class to pitch up and sink his putt to halve the hole as mine putt trickled agonisingly past the hole. Games are sometimes decided by inches. Two inch may have just decided our match and I had my first moment of doubt.
This was quickly banished after a quick word with my partner, and words of encouragement were exchanged.
We had completed the front 9 and were still in front, despite the colossal efforts of stu who on occasions had kept the Scottish boys in it on the holes we had looked like winning. Again we would have taken this before we started. We were, in our opinion, playing against what we believed to be the danger man of the Scots team in JF. That is meant as no disrespect to any of the others and certainly not Stu who played some super shots throughout the day.
On to the 10th and I hit my 2nd bad tee shot of the day and it didn’t look too inviting where it had landed. So over to Tony.
11th tee and I pulled out the driver for the first and only time throughout the day. I had a good, strong connection but the ball was drifting right. We approached the balls and mine was on a road that runs alongside the fairway. It was a long hit, but to be fair it probably hit the road and bounced a long way, either that or the bus hit it and sent it further. I asked my playing partners for a ruling, my partner looked slightly worried. He had read the reverse of the card, we hadn’t. As it turns out it was OOB. Was the game turning? Back to my partner to bale me out.
We stood on the 12th tee with the Scots now starting to bite at our heels and the pressure was building. Craig & Ivan’s approaches were sat nicely on the 11th green and Craig again brought his bag to the tee box. They had one 10 & 8. what an achievement in any level of golf. That certainly lifted me and I again felt quite relaxed. Frazer, one of the guests, came over and shook our hands, he had those puppy dog eyes. It was at this moment that he asked to play against us tomorrow (already mentioned above).
Holes seemed to pass fairly quickly and everyone that passed was one less that the Scots could win.
13 & 14 completed. Alan Rodgers snr (Dodgers dad) was waiting on the next tee. A short par 3 downhill 15th . there was a bit of banter and he was to accompany the 4 of us to the end. I was only just off the green to the right but was badly plugged, I managed to play a decent shot but was now playing with a brown ball. Down to Tony again.
16th tee, all away left side of fairway. As we were on the tee, I mentioned to Stu that I had only had the hybrid 2 days and it was the best £65 I had ever spent to which he said that he really hated the club (funny moment 3)I hit a super 4 iron that was heading straight for the flag, it pitched on the front of the green and rolled a little it was about 10’ short of the pin but uphill. At this moment I thought we would take an unassailable lead. How wrong was I JF whose drive was about 8’ in front of mine hit an absolute peach of a 3 iron to about 18â€, shot of the day in my mind. It wasn’t just the execution of the shot, it was the pressure that came with it. This was the John Findlay that I expected to play against before we got there.
I still had a chance to hole out and take what would have been a good half from what, when I played my shot looked like the win we had so longed for.
Tony was short of the green and I thought he had picked up. Alan snr asked flag in or out. Out I say, he walked away, looked, walked back, flag in or out. I thought, You’re taking the pish now. I didn’t realise he was talking to Tony who was about to chip his ball. Tony asked for the flag to be left in, I replied 18â€. I thought he had said how far away was JF. (funny moment 4). Tony then proceeded to chip in. I missed mine, JF, obviously sunk his.
On to 17 All away and up the fairway we went. Things got a little tactical I was short of the road, Stu and Tony were on it. I chose to putt mine and finished about 3’ away. Tony & Stu dropped back behind the road. 17 complete.
Up on to the 18th tee England 1up, Scotland with the honour. I held back choosing a club until our oppo’s had taken theirs. This is a classic risk reward, driveable par 4 but the wind was strong in our faces. Had either of the Scots boys made the green, the big stick would have to come out. As it happens it would have been some shot to carry the green into the wind. Neither made it. Tony hit his 6 iron, leaving him a wedge in. I pulled out old faithful and played safe. Some safe, I was way right but had a good view straight up the length of the green. We all hit our 2nd’s and myself, Tony & JF had all sunk our putts on what was to be a very slow green. Tony hit first and left it about 8’ short. He said to me that he had given it a good rap. I putted from slightly inside Tony and gave it, what I thought was enough to get beyond the hole. It finished near Tony’s. JF also left his short but putted out for the 4 which left Stu a putt to level the match form about 4’. Stu had not had a putt from anywhere near that range all day. He had holed some super long putts but had been given the short ones so not really had a chance to feel the distance. As he stood over the putt there was silence. He made good contact but looking back from the other side of the hole, unless there was some break that I hadn’t seen, it was running agonisingly wide, for the Scottish boys.
We had won. I patted Tony one the back and shook his hand. To be honest for a moment, I wanted to hug him but it wasn’t the manly thing to do. We shook hands with our gallant opponents then stayed out to watch the next 3 groups come in.
I would like to take this opportunity to thank out opponents for a fantastic, sporting, afternoon of golf. I was absolutely over the moon to come out with a win. I would have been disappointed to have halved the game, given that we had held the lead since the first but on reflection, I wouldn’t have minded. Two cracking blokes great company, great golfers and there for the grace of god……
Everyone contributed to a tense and thrilling match that was to prove the closest win of the whole competition. I was to play again with Stuart on day 2.
Those elevated tees towards the end were really starting to take their toll and boy was I ready for the meal in the clubhouse.
Re: The Battle of the Auld Enemy- part 1 cont..
Vig....great reading,I felt like I was there watching!
Day 2 please,great stuff!
Vig....great reading,I felt like I was there watching!
Day 2 please,great stuff!
AlchemyGolf
Head Pro
Re: The Battle of the Auld Enemy- part 1 cont..
Looks like everyone had a blast.
Is the return going to be in England?
Looks like everyone had a blast.
Is the return going to be in England?
B
birdieman
Guest
Re: The Battle of the Auld Enemy- part 1 cont..
Alchemy,
Berwick Upon Tweed and Goswick Links are in England so surely any return match should be in Scotland? It was an away win for the Scots.
Someone else called that wrong earlier in the thread.
I think Berwick was seen as neutral because its changed hands between Scotland and England many times and as it's halfway up Britain. Berwickshire is in Scotland yet the county town Berwick Upon Tweed is in England - something aint right!
As someone said its been reclaimed by Scotland with a resounding victory on the links.
Alchemy,
Berwick Upon Tweed and Goswick Links are in England so surely any return match should be in Scotland? It was an away win for the Scots.
Someone else called that wrong earlier in the thread.
I think Berwick was seen as neutral because its changed hands between Scotland and England many times and as it's halfway up Britain. Berwickshire is in Scotland yet the county town Berwick Upon Tweed is in England - something aint right!
As someone said its been reclaimed by Scotland with a resounding victory on the links.
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